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SOUTH CAROLINA AMERICAN LEGION PALMETTO BOY’S STATE. The American Legion’s Boys State program is a “Laboratory of Government”. A unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government. These young men learn politics by participating in a mock governmental system. For the year 2018, Palmetto Boy’s State will be held at Anderson University, Anderson, SC, June 10th through 16th. Pictured left to right, front row: Citizen Reagan Pugh, W. Wyman King Academy, son of Tony and Beth Pugh; Citizen River Guy, W. Wyman King Academy, son of Allen and Julie Guy; Alternate Wilson Parrish, W. Wyman King Academy, son of Jim and Nikki Parrish. Back row: Citizen Matthew Perry, Saluda High School, son of Don and Lynn Perry; Citizen Matthew Bailey, Saluda High School, son of Ricky and Missy Bailey; Citizen Chandler Palmer, Saluda High School, son of Jeff and Lorinda Palmer; Citizen Moises Flores, Saluda High School, son of Ramon Flores and Herlinda Aquirre; Alternate Dalton Hyler, Saluda High School, son of Randy and Ryan Rogers. These Citizens are sponsored by American Legion Post 65, Saluda, SC, Al Butler, Post 65 Commander.

Come Show Your Support!3rd Annual Saluda County Special Olympics

Transportation Leaders Meet

Making local highways safer and saving some road construction costs were topics Tuesday when regional transportation leaders met at the Upper Savannah Council of Governments office. “The purpose of the meeting was to bring together all the regional players involved in improving the transportation systems in the Upper Savannah Council of Governments (USCOG) region,” said USCOG Government Services Director Rick Green. The Upper Savannah region includes Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Saluda counties. “There are other meetings of this type statewide, but we don’t often get to sit down with just the people from our region to discuss common issues and needs,” Green said. S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Commission Chairman Ben Davis, 13 senior planning and construction management staff from SCDOT in Columbia, two district engineers from the Greenwood district office, County Transportation Committee (CTC) chairs from Saluda and Laurens counties, Green, USCOG Executive Director Patricia Hartung and Assistant Director Sam Leaman attended the meeting. “SCDOT staff were able to hear about our regional needs directly and they can now incorporate those findings into their daily activities to make our roads safer and better,” Green said. “Road safety was a major topic. South Carolina is one of the top states in vehicular deaths and SCDOT is working to address that problem. We talked about the need for public transit to get people to work and to medical appointments. “There were also discussions about how we could all work together to reduce common costs,” Green continued. There will be another meeting as a regional group this fall, including discussions about resurfacing projects. County Transportation Committees will be included. For more information about the meeting or future meetings, contact Green at (864) 941-8072.

Cpl. Hallman Dies inLine of Duty Accident

Saluda County Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman died in a line of duty vehicle accident, Fri., April 6. Saluda County Sheriff John Perry issued the following statement on Friday afternoon: “We lost one of our deputies last night/early this morning in a line of duty death. The Uniform Road Patrol was in a vehicle pursuit with an unknown suspect that carried them just outside of Saluda County into Edgefield County. The pursuit ended, and the suspect fled from the vehicle with a rifle and a child. The minor child was released by the suspect and taken to safety by our deputies. The supervisor on scene requested bloodhound support to track the suspect at that time. One of our deputies, Corporal Dale Hallman, was responding to the scene as member of the Bloodhound Tracking Team with lights and sirens activated. Corporal Hallman was involved in a single vehicle traffic collision. Law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel responded and Corporal Hallman was transported to Self-Memorial Hospital where he passed away due to his injuries sustained in the collision. Corporal Hallman will be remembered as a devoted law enforcement officer with five years of service at the Saluda County Sheriffs Office. In addition, he served the citizens of Saluda County as a Lieutenant in the County Fire Service. In 2016, Corporal Hallman was awarded the Medal of Valor for his outstanding service to Saluda County. Corporal Hallman leaves behind a wife, unborn child, and two beloved step sons. In addition, he is survived by his mother, father, and sister who are all natives of Saluda County. As Sheriff, I would like to ask everyone to please lift up the Hallman family, along with the Saluda County Sheriffs Office with your prayers at this time.” Hallman ,29, is survived by his wife Brandi Perry Hallman, his parents, Winfred and Naomi Strickland Hallman of Batesburg; two sons, Jase and Jonathan; a daughter, Laney-Grace due in June; a sister, Letha Bryan (Brantley); two nieces and a nephew. Funeral sevices were held at 11:00 AM Monday, April 9,2018, at Saluda Baptist Church with Rev. Derrick Jones, Rev. Lee Cothran and Rev. Greg Williams officiating. Interment followed in Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Budget Process Begins

Saluda County Council began the 2018-19 budget process Mon., April 9, by giving first readings to the school and county budgets. The local portion of the Saluda County School’s $18,219,4412 budget is $4,465,427. This is up $351,484 from last year. The county budget currently stands at $15,341,872.06.. The difference between revenue and expenditures is $3,743,355. Chairman Derrick Jones ask the public for “pray for the Council,’ as they meet to whittle down the budget. Two more readings are required before the budgets become final. Council gave second reading to two ordinances concerning flood damage prevention. One repealed a section on the old ordinance, and the other put new wording in. They tabled a request from Public Building Supervisor Ken Long for renovations of the old Highway Patrol Office for the Sheriff’s Office . The cost presented was $5,655. Council decided to wait until they got the cost for the security system at the building, so they can take care of both projects at one time. The Fair Housing Month resolution was approved. Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and the County Council. This will allow special ops training in the county. David Ballard of the S.C. Geodetic Survey gave a Powerpoint presentation on the project to look at the common boundaries of Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda counties. The survey has located old monuments and replaced others on the borders. He said the findings were no significant impact on the Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda boundary, and only one impact on the Edgefield-Saluda boundary. The situation involves one acre of land that the owner had been paying taxes in Saluda County. The taxes will now go to Edgefield County. Council voted to change the anniversary date for the accrual of annual sick leave credits for Saluda County employees, and to allow the county director to transfer funds from contingency to balance accounts. At the nomination of Councilman Jones Butler, Joy Antley was appointed to the Westview Behavioral Health System board. At the beginning of the meeting Chairman Jones called for a moment of silence in memory of Deputy Dale Hallman who died in the line of duty last week.

County Court ClearsForty-Seven Cases

The recently concluded two week term of Saluda Count General Sessions Court cleared 47 cases There was only one jury trial during the term. Wendell Keith Watson was found guilty for throwing bodily fluids and was sentenced to six months, following by 24 months probation. The following were sentenced on guilty pleas: L.D. Anthony, domestic violence 1st degree, three years, suspended to time served, and 24 months probation. Tyrail Jaquain Barnes, burglary third degree. Youth Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed five years. Brian Christopher Berry, unlawful use of telephone, 30 days or $100. Richard W. Bruner III, burglary 3rd degree, two years, suspended to time served, and 30 months probation. Richard Butler, failure to stop for a blue light, 24 months, suspended to 30 days, and 30 months probation. Robert Jason Conyers, burglary (violent) 2nd degree, five years. Jermel R. Daniels, throwing bodily fluids on corrections facility employee, five years; possession of crack 2nd, five years. Gloria Gunter Ergle, possession of cocaine 1st, time served. Tyron Etheredge, animal torture, three years, suspended to time served, and 30 months probation. Keason Raheem Freeman, unlawful carrying of a handgun. YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to one year probation. Angela Dockery Herrick, possession of meth, 18 months, suspended to time served, and 24 months probation. Thomas Cordarell Holloway, unlawful carrying of a pistol, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to time served and 12 months probation. Christopher Ray Hutto, possession of meth, two years, suspended to two years probation. Benjamin Jamal Johnson, failure to stop for a blue light, six months. Antonio Rashad Jones, assault and battery third degree, time served and $50. Marquez Maurice Leach, unlawful use of telephone, time served and $200. Jeffrey A. Martin, assault and battery second degree, time served and $200. Dorothy Mae Mathis, assault and battery third degree, 30 days or $100. Matthew Aaron McCormick, possession of meth 1st, 24 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation; domestic violence 2nd degree, 24 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation; financial transaction fraud, 12 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation. Amber Elizabeth Meadow, possession of a controlled substance, $150. Alvin L. Morris, possession of crack 1st, six months, suspended to time served, and six months probation. Willie James Morris, reckless driving, 30 days. Marquez Dijon Nash, domestic violence second degree, 18 months, suspended to 24 months probation. Justin Lee Powell, possession of meth, three years concurrent; burglary 2nd (violent), two counts, five years concurrent. Carl Jeffery Pugh, domestic violence 2nd degree, 18 months. Randy Charles Quarles, possession with intent to distribute meth, three years, suspended to three years probation. Noah Allen Ready, possession of meth, three years; burglary 2nd, three years. James Albert Rodgers, assault and battery 3rd degree, times served and $200. Steven Luther Rodgers, forgery, less than $10,000, two years, concurrent. Joe Dean Scoggins Jr., conspiracy, five years, suspended to 48 months probation; possession of meth, three years, suspended to 48 months probation. Rafael Hakim Sistrunk, unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year, suspended to one year probation. Joshua Tyler Smith, habitual traffic offender, 18 months, suspended to time served, and 18 months probation. Alston Keith Stokes, simple possession of marijuana, time served; unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year or $1000. Troy Caleb Tardiff, malicious injury to personal property, time served and $200. Anthony Lee Tolen, resisting arrest, six months. Audreama Unique Tolen, resisting arrest, YOA not to exceed 12 months, suspended to 12 months probation. Charles Kinta Watson, malicious injury to property <$2000, $100. Odell Whitt, ill treatment of animals, two years, suspended to 12 months probation. Willie James Morris, DUS II, 60 days. Austin Lyle Switzer, assault and battery 2nd degree, two years, suspended to one year probation. Reginald Vaughn Wallace III, grand larceny, more than $2000, less than $10,000, YOA not to exceed five years. David Lee Walker Jr., resisting arrest, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to 12 months probation. Anthony Derrick Wells, forgery less than $10,000, time served (338 days). Jerry James Williams, possession of contraband, six months; possession of crack cocaine, six months. Jamie Terrell Wooden, hit and run, attended vehicle, property damage, times served; assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. James Willie Wright, failure to register as a sex offender, time served.

March MarkedBy Cool Temps

The month of March featured uncharacteristically cool temperatures. The month featured 14 days with highs in the 50s and 40s. Rain fell on 11 days for a total of 3.70 inches. So far in 2018, 10.66 inches of rain has fallen. This compares to 9.78 inches during the same time in 2017. The highest temperature, 78, came on Mar. 29 and 30. The lowest daytime high, 48, was on Mar. 13. The lowest morning temperature, 27, was recorded on Mar. 8 and 10. This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.

102-Year-Old Billy Coleman Recognized

American Legionnaire Billy Coleman, who celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January, is covered with a freedom quilt presented to him by Quilts of Valor, a non-profit foundation whose goal is to cover all physically or psychologically wounded service members with a freedom quilt, honoring them for their sacrifices. Coleman, a Navy veteran, commanded a Higgins Landing Craft during the Normandy Invasion of World War II. In this picture, Coleman looks over his certificate of 70 years continuous membership in the American Legion. The document is presented by District 17 Commander, the Rev Ed Miller. Sharing in the observance is Post 65 Commander Al Butler, left and Post 65 Legionnaire Claude Wheeler, center. The certificate reads: The American Legion Certificate of Continuous Membership, Issued in grateful appreciation for faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of The American Legion. Be it known that Billy C. Coleman, a dedicated and longtime member of American Legion Post 65, Department of South Carolina, has been certified to have been a member in good standing continuously for 70 years. And be it further known that such record of consistent loyalty to The American Legion merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the programs of The American Legion. In witness thereof, this testimonial of personal gratitude is given under the hand of the National Commander, and duly attested by the National Adjutant, this 15th day of March 2018. Attest: National Commander, Denise Rohan; National Adjutant, Daniel S. Wheeler; Alvin Butler, Post Officer.

WILDER, SHS RECOGNIZED - Saluda High School’s Coach Jeanette Wilder has been named the SCAAA 2018 Region III-AA Athletic Director of the Year, and Saluda High School has received the Sportsmanship Award again this year!

Lions Club ServesThe Community

The Saluda Lions Club has been a part of our community for 81 years. The Club has raised funds through a variety of projects ranging from broom sales to the annual Saluda County Cup golf tournament. 100% of the funds raised have been used to provide glasses, hearing aids, and cataract surgery for individuals in need. We also award the R.B. Rogers Scholarship annually to a deserving college bound Saluda student. Additionally, we support Leader Dogs for the Blind, Lions Storm Eye institute, local Boy Scouts, Relay for Life, and my personal favorite, comprehensive vision screening for everyone with emphasis on ages 6 months to 17 years old. During the past six months alone, using borrowed equipment, we have screened more than 1250 Saluda County students ranging from preschool to high school. We identified and referred almost 200 for further examination by an eye care professional. In 2017 the Saluda Lions established the Don Hancock Memorial Fund to raise funds for our own SPOT Vision Tester and enable us to expand our free comprehensive eye screening program. Thanks to the generous support of civic minded individuals, local businesses, and other organizations our club was able to qualify for a matching grant from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), we now have our SPOT Vision Tester and will definitely expand our vision testing in Saluda and surrounding areas. Additional monetary contributions would be welcomed and appreciated and would help cover supplies, maintenance, and a printer to complete our screening setup. Finally, please consider joining the Lions Club. As Lions our motto is, “WE SERVE”. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club; 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.lionscIubs.org. To learn more about community eye screening for children go to www.lionsKidSight USA.org or call J. W. ”Jack” Atkinson, President, Saluda Lions Club, 864 445-0537.